Sausage and Spinach Baked Ziti: A Comforting Italian Classic
Baked ziti is a beloved Italian-American comfort food, and this version, enriched with savory sausage and nutritious spinach, takes it to a whole new level. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week. This recipe is easy to follow, customizable to your preferences, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to indulge in layers of perfectly cooked ziti pasta, flavorful meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and plenty of melted mozzarella.
Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Spinach Baked Ziti
* **Comfort Food Classic:** This baked ziti hits all the right notes – cheesy, saucy, and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel warm and cozy from the inside out.
* **Flavorful and Nutritious:** The combination of sausage and spinach adds depth of flavor and a boost of vitamins and minerals to this classic pasta bake.
* **Easy to Make:** While it might look impressive, this recipe is surprisingly easy to put together. Most of the work involves layering the ingredients, making it a great option for weeknight dinners.
* **Perfect for a Crowd:** Baked ziti is ideal for feeding a large group. You can easily double or triple the recipe to accommodate more guests.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** This dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it a lifesaver for busy schedules.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Use different types of sausage, add other vegetables, or swap out cheeses.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Leftovers can be easily frozen for a quick and convenient meal later on.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a detailed list:
* **Pasta:** 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne, rigatoni, or any similar tubular pasta)
* **Sausage:** 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot, casings removed)
* **Spinach:** 10 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* **Garlic:** 3 cloves garlic, minced
* **Canned Tomatoes:** 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
* **Tomato Paste:** 6 ounces tomato paste
* **Dried Herbs:** 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
* **Ricotta Cheese:** 15 ounces ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
* **Egg:** 1 large egg
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons olive oil
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste
Equipment You’ll Need
* Large pot for boiling pasta
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Mixing bowls
* Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the detailed instructions for making this delicious Sausage and Spinach Baked Ziti:
**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means the pasta should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy during baking.
3. Drain the pasta well and set aside. You can toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.
**Step 2: Prepare the Sausage and Spinach Sauce**
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. If using fresh spinach, add it to the sauce during the last 5 minutes of simmering. Stir until the spinach is wilted. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s thawed and squeezed dry before adding it to the sauce.
**Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Mixture**
1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.
**Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Spread a thin layer of the sausage and spinach sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
4. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta to the dish and spread it evenly over the sauce.
5. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta.
6. Sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta cheese.
7. Pour half of the remaining sausage and spinach sauce over the mozzarella cheese.
8. Repeat layers: Add the remaining ziti pasta, the remaining ricotta cheese mixture, another one-third of the mozzarella cheese, and the remaining sausage and spinach sauce.
9. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
**Step 5: Bake the Ziti**
1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
**Step 6: Let it Rest and Serve**
1. Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set up and prevents it from being too runny.
2. Garnish with fresh basil leaves (optional) and serve hot.
Tips for Success
* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Al dente pasta is crucial for preventing a mushy baked ziti.
* **Drain the Spinach Well:** Whether you’re using fresh or frozen spinach, make sure to remove as much excess water as possible to prevent a watery sauce.
* **Don’t Skip the Resting Time:** Letting the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to slice.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** Using good quality sausage, canned tomatoes, and cheese will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of your baked ziti.
* **Customize to Your Liking:** Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage, cheeses, and vegetables to create your own unique version of this classic dish.
Variations and Substitutions
* **Meat:** Substitute ground beef, ground turkey, or chicken sausage for the Italian sausage.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant to the sauce.
* **Cheese:** Use provolone, fontina, or Gruyere cheese in addition to or instead of mozzarella.
* **Spice:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
* **Vegetarian:** Omit the sausage and add more vegetables to make a vegetarian version. You can also use vegetarian sausage substitutes.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free ziti pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
* **Dairy-Free:** Substitute dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella cheeses to make a dairy-free version. Be sure to check the ingredient list of your sausage to ensure it is also dairy-free.
Serving Suggestions
* **Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
* **Garlic Bread:** A side of garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Wine Pairing:** A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot pairs well with baked ziti.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This Sausage and Spinach Baked Ziti can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover the assembled dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven as directed and bake the ziti, covered, for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown. Add about 10 minutes to the covered bake time if baking from refrigerator temp.
Freezing Instructions
Baked ziti freezes well, making it a great option for meal prepping. To freeze, let the baked ziti cool completely. Cut it into individual portions or leave it whole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the frozen ziti in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick and easy meal.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
* Calories: 550-700 per serving
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
Conclusion
This Sausage and Spinach Baked Ziti recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, customizable, and incredibly delicious. With its layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and satisfying Italian classic! Happy cooking!